Ottsworld Unique Travel Experiences » Middle East

As I was marveling at the bright colors of the watermelon, eggplant, and tomatoes against the typical Omani cream-colored backdrop of souq buildings – I felt that something was ‘off’ – bu...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/nizwa-souq-and-fort-oman/

The big billboard ad looming over the highway read “Expect the unexpected” as a man in camouflage held a shiny rifle and smiled at the cars passing by below. I thought to myself – I hope th...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/middle-eastern-oddities/

I traveled south of Beirut to the old city of Saida along the Mediteranean.  Luckily I had a personal tour guide in my friend Mark, a local friend I had made during my stay in Beirut.  We drove...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/photo-of-the-week-saida-souks/

After spending a month living in Lebanon with a local family, I had many opportunities to really get to know the food of Lebanon. Prior to traveling there, I didn’t really know much about Leban...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/the-food-of-lebanon/

I crave authentic experiences when I travel. I want culture not tourism. That’s why my time in Lebanon was so special; while living with a family I was able to experience the real Lebanon, with...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/taanayel-eco-lodge-authentic-travel/

Tripoli has been in the news a lot lately – but there’s more than one Tripoli in the Middle East.  I went to Lebanon’s Tripoli in search of authentic souks and found what I was looking for...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/photo-of-the-week-tripoli/

“Why did you come here in February? It’s the worst month for weather; it’s so unpredictable.” This was the common question I was asked throughout Lebanon. The sky was heavy with moisture ...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/walk-beirut/

Today was my day to go walking through time; a walk through downtown Beirut photographing the bombed buildings which still exist in the Beirut skyline.  I was in shock at the hundreds of bullet ...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/bombed-beirut-a-personal-tour/

I sat on the formal couch and listened to the Arabic words swirling around me; lightening fast and coming from every direction. I looked at the people surrounding me and took note of their gestur...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/middle-eastern-visiting/

“Things may start shaking, so don’t make any plans on February 14th,” said Walid. ‘Shaking’ was Walid’s term for instability. He went on to explain the significance of February 14th t...

https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/the-culture-of-war/